In terms of respiratory health, adequate hydration helps to do what?

Adequate hydration is essential for maintaining optimal respiratory health primarily because it facilitates mucus clearance. When the body is well-hydrated, the mucus lining the respiratory tract remains thin and more easily moved by ciliary action. This is vital for capturing and expelling pathogens, allergens, and other irritants, thus helping to keep the airways clear and free from obstruction.

When mucus is too thick due to dehydration, it becomes difficult for the cilia to transport it effectively, which can lead to congestion, increased risk of infection, and respiratory complications. Therefore, staying well-hydrated supports the function of the respiratory system by enhancing the natural mechanisms of mucus clearance, ultimately contributing to better overall respiratory health.

The other options, while they may have some links to hydration, do not directly address the core benefit that hydration presents in terms of mucus dynamics and airway clearance.